The Telegraph: What's Happening To Russia's 'limping' Novorossiysk Submarine

The loss of Syria was a serious blow to the Russian fleet in the Mediterranean Sea.

The Russian diesel-electric submarine Novorossiysk, escorted by the Dutch Navy, is making a passage through the North Sea. Earlier it was reported that the submarine suffered "fuel system damage" in the Mediterranean Sea and left the region under the supervision of British patrols off Gibraltar, writes The Telegraph (translated by Charter97.org)..

Experts note that such a situation may be common for diesel-electric subs. These battery- and diesel-powered submarines are often on the surface because autonomous underwater travel is limited by speed and range. Escort by tugboat is also not unusual.

The situation nevertheless demonstrates the limited capabilities of the Russian fleet in the Mediterranean after the loss of its base in Tartus, Syria. Russia is now forced to use alternative ports in Libya and Algeria, where it is impossible to conduct full submarine maintenance. As a result, Russia's presence in the Mediterranean Sea has reached a historic low, with only a few surface ships and auxiliary vessels remaining.

Analysts emphasize the weakness of diesel-electric subs compared to nuclear-powered subs: they are easy to track over long distances and are limited in autonomy and speed, especially on long passages.

The question now remains whether the Novorossiysk will return to the Mediterranean after repairs or be replaced by another submarine. The loss of Tartus and the closure of the Bosphorus due to the war in Ukraine make it more difficult to maintain a Russian presence in the region.

Observers also warn against jumping to conclusions: the presence of a tugboat near a submarine does not necessarily mean it is being towed. In any case, the situation underscores Russia's difficulties in maintaining a submarine fleet without reliable bases and demonstrates the limitations of diesel-electric submarines.

You can support the website Charter97.org

MULTI-CURRENCY ACCOUNT FOR ASSISTANCE:

Bank's name: Bank Millennium S.A.
Address: ul. Stanislawa Zaryna, 2A, 02-593, Warszawa
IBAN: PL97116022020000000216711123
SWIFT: BIGBPLPW
Name of the account holder: Fundacja “KARTA ‘97”
Purpose/title of payment: Donation for statuary aims

You can contact us by the e-mail [email protected]